take the starch out of (someone)
idiom
US, informal + old-fashioned
: to make (someone) weak or unsure : to cause (someone) to lose energy or confidence
When he lost the second game, it seemed to take the starch out of him.
Cite this Entry
“Take the starch out of (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20starch%20out%20of%20%28someone%29. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share